Hi all,

I've been filling up the power steering fluid subtly few times, but looks like it worsen during this cold winter. Weather got nice today, and decided to change the oil, jacked up and noted messy fluids underneath around the oil pan and some around manual transmission housing. Traced upward on top of engine, noted similar mess around the power steering pump. Saw empty PS reservoir, I'm pretty sure it's power steering fluid causing mess underneath the engine too. Looked around the reservoir, didn't see any leaks coming out, hoses look good too. Guess it might be the pump, but if pump turns bad, would it leak the fluid somehow?

Replacing the PS pump isn't the issue, but wanted to ensure it's indeed bad before I swap it out.

 

Do you see any leaks on the rack and pinion or the hoses that connect into the rack and pinion.?

 

You need to visually look for where it's leaking from instead of just guessing. It's likely the pump seals that need to be changed out but it's possible you have hose(s) leaking.

If it looks to be the pump it's fairly easy to simply take it apart and replace the orings with those from a power steering pump rebuild kit. Keep in mind the pulley bolt is reverse threaded.

It would be best to just swap out all the hoses that go to the pump and the reservoir while you're at it.

 

Good idea on swapping out hoses while I'm at it, so I should just replace the o-rings on the pump with the rebuilt kit rather than replacing the pump itself? When removing the pump off, how do I check to determine that it's still good?
It's difficult looking that where the leak is from as there's fluid around bottom of engine. But could see moisture with dirts around the pump itself. Thinking that it is likely that o-rings are the issue.

 

The pump itself will not wear out, only the internal orings, the seal, and the bearing(you will hear noise, kinda of a roaring sounds, when this starts to go out). The pump itself will not be damaged unless the bearing seizes up on it.